Hansen Hopes to Hang on to Pro Wakeskate World Title

Hansen Hopes to Hang on to Pro Wakeskate World Title

Indianapolis, Ind. – Nearly 50 of the best professional riders on the planet hit the waters of The Precedent today in northern Indianapolis for their respective division's preliminary rounds at the 18th annual Rockstar Energy Drink WWA Wakeboard World Championships, presented by Supra. But only one rider was there to begin competing for his fifth consecutive world title.

Since 2007, Reed Hansen has been the world champion of the Pro Wakeskate division – a title that the 21-year-old shredder heavily covets.

“It’s the most important title there is and I love having it,” said Hansen. “I don’t want to see anyone else win it.”

For four years, the Groveland, Fla. native has taken on the best in the world and won, but this weekend he’ll have to do it with a lingering injury.

“On the last day before I flew to Indy for the Worlds, I ended up injuring my shoulder,” said the defending world titlist. “I was practicing for this contest and on my last trick I landed with the rope in my front hand, so I could pull myself up. And when I did that, it put too much pressure on my shoulder.”

Hansen explained that he had a preexisting shoulder injury – a torn labrum – which was never surgically repaired. The recent pressure put on his shoulder has caused Hansen to be cautious this weekend, as to not further his injury.

The defending titlist started his semifinal run today, as a true champion would, with a stand-up pass, landing three 360 variations, a Toe-side Back-side 180 and a Heel-side Late Shove-it. But on his second pass, Hansen had two uncharacteristic falls and left out a heat-winning trick.

“Being the top seed means that you have the benefit of being last off the dock and seeing what everyone else does,” said Hansen. “But when you go first, you have to put the pressure on the competition rather than being able to handle the pressure.”

Hansen and the three other Pro Wakeskate finalists will face off in the deciding round tomorrow, Sunday, Aug. 21 at 1 p.m.

The WWA Worlds will conclude tomorrow Sunday, Aug. 21. Tomorrow’s competition will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at The Precedent. The Precedent is located at 9229 Delegates Row Indianapolis, IN 46240.

The 2011 Rockstar Energy Drink WWA Wakeboard World Championships, presented by Supra is a ticketed event. Tickets are available at the gate: $13 (adult); $5 (ages 6-12); free (ages 5 and under).

In addition to all the action on the water — on land, the WWA Worlds features great food and music; pro athlete autograph signings; chances to win freebies; and shopping at the most cutting-edge stores for water-sports equipment including boats, wakeboards, wakeskates, sunglasses and the latest in wakeboarding and surfing fashions.

For those who cannot attend the event in person, just “like” the King of Wake’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/prowakeboardtour) to watch all the live streaming footage.

The 2011 WWA Worlds will also air on the VERSUS television network at 5 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Sept. 27.